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The Complete Illustrated Directory of Salmon & Steelhead Flies by Chris Mann

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30 September 2009 One Comment

The following is a review and of The Complete Illustrated Directory of Salmon & Steelhead Flies, written by Chris Mann (Frank Amato Publications, October 2008,  8.5 x 11 Inches, 448 Pages, Index, All Color- originally published by Melin Unwin Books, 2008) which is available at fine fly shops and booksellers everywhere.

Editor’s Note: Two pages have been excerpted from the actual book and can be viewed on pages two and three following the review.

Blue SandyChris Mann has been studying Flies and their history for more than 30 years.  The last two and a half of which were spent researching, identifying, and illustrating the 1,800 flies covered in his newest book, “The Complete Illustrated Directory of & Flies.”

Mann has included the most important and relevant examples of each type of pattern- dry, hairwing, featherwing, hackle fly, , dee, shrimp, skater, marabou, , etc.  In compiling these , Mann has consulted not only every book published on & flies since 1850, he has collected from magazines and web sites as well.

Black DeceiverThe book itself, is broken into two parts: flies, and flies.  Due to the sheer number of flies in the book, the author has provided the reader with three indexes to help find the pattern you want, quickly and easily.  An index of fly dressers, an index of fly types, and an index of all flies in alphabetical order.

All 1800 fly are shown alongside their respective materials list.  Mann also gives a brief introduction to each fly, noting it’s originator when known and the reputation the fly has achieved.    I must note that the illustrations are breathtakingly .  In fact, I’m still having a hard time wrapping my mind around how such stunning detail was accomplished without photographing the actual flies (the photos you see here look more illustrated than the photos in the book).

Chaleur Bay SmeltThis is the most prolific directory of and flies ever published.  From intimate full dressed featherwing , to bombers, to speys, to simple hairwings; this book has you covered for a lifetime of inspiration at the tying bench.

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One Comment »

  • Jason said:

    really nice looking flies!

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